WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP), applauded the passage of the National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults Act, legislation Murphy introduced to reduce loneliness and improve quality of life for older adults. The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults is an effort to increase the social engagement of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers by expanding and enhancing services that promote social connection. Murphy’s legislation would support the Center’s work to provide resources and programming to Area Agencies on Aging and community-based organizations like libraries and senior centers. The bill passed the Senate unanimously as part of a reauthorization of the Older Americans Act and passed the HELP Committee by a bipartisan vote earlier this year.

“The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults helps places like local libraries and senior centers reach out to two of the most socially isolated groups — adults with disabilities and seniors. Nothing is more important for finding happiness and fulfillment in life than having quality relationships with other people. I’m proud we got this done, and I’ll continue to look for ways the federal government can support local places that build community,” said Murphy.

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